Argues that studies focusing on the functions of movements would increase understanding of social movements. (PD)

This keynote address to the 1984 Central States Speech Association Convention uses the convention theme--the interesting question--to define communication research, review recent scholarly developments, and exhort scholars to integrate their fields of study. (PD)

Sees rhetoric or "languaging strategies" as central to the perception that a social movement exists. (PD)

Disagrees that "dialectical enjoinment" and "collective behavior" are necessary characteristics of a rhetorical study of social movements. Prefers a focus on individual perceptions or consciousness of movement. (PD)

Contends that only after a significant amount of historical research has been conducted will it be possible to develop a theory of social movements. (PD)

Suggests a perspective for understanding stress within an organizational environment by exploring the relationship between both (1) work-related stress and life events, communication, and stress in general; and (2) role, personality, and performance stress and communication in the work-related environment. Outlines methods for productively…

Discusses broad areas that deserve future scholarly inquiry by communication researchers: (1) the interrelatedness of communicative contexts, (2) the serial nature of symbolic exchanges, and (3) barriers to conducting ecologically valid communication research. (PD)

Summarizes studies in the field of media and aging within six categories: media-use behavior and demographic characteristics of the aging audience; related media content; effects on individual's responses to aging; social consequences of the interrelationship between media and aging; structure and function of media organizations; and strategies…

Argues that perceived understanding underlies two important dimensions of organizational effectiveness: consideration and initiation of structure. Describes the Perceived Understanding Instrument and explains how it can be used to identify specific verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors that influence organizational effectiveness. (JD)

Recent rhetorical scholarship suggests a new focus on qualitative theories of human communication. Explores the implications of three general emphases for future inquiry: (1) rules research, (2) constructivism, and (3) constructionism. (PD)

Criticizes the variable analytic approach to small group communication currently being used by many social science researchers and suggests some alternative ways of doing research based on a human action perspective. (JMF)

Suggests areas of future research for communication educators: (1) communication functions, (2) learning systems, (3) classroom communication, and (4) speech teacher education. (PD)